To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail what work he has done to investigate and optimise tourist opportunities arising from the north coast’s links with the Spanish Armada, including wrecks such as La Girona.

Tourism NI are tasked with growing the tourism economy in Northern Ireland and as such must take into account which parts of the heritage portfolio have the strongest potential to appeal to domestic and international markets, generate revenue, increase visitors and provide employment in the process.

Whilst the story of the Spanish Armada is compelling, it is a lesser-known part of the history of the North Coast and in terms of revenue generation would not be in a position to compete with the key sites of the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour or Dunluce Castle. As such, at this time Tourism NI do not hold specific market intelligence on the tourism potential of the Girona and the Spanish Armada.

However, like many parts of our culture and heritage, provides a further opportunity for visitors to explore more and stay longer. A range of Girona and Spanish linked experiences are available across Northern Ireland, including the North Coast.The history of the Spanish Armada is covered in the La Trinidad Valencera permanent exhibition located within the Tower Museum in Londonderry. There are discussions underway to promote the gateway linkage of Londonderry and the Causeway Coastal Route and beyond. As part of this work the links with the Spanish Armada could be further explored. In addition, Tourism NI are also supporting Derry City & Strabane District Council on their Derry on the North Atlantic (DNA) museum project as part of their City Deal programme.

It is proposed that the new museum will comprise galleries dedicated to ‘Discoveries of the Deep’ and ‘Sunken Treasures’, relating in part to the La Trinidad Valencera, the Spanish Armada and the exciting stories, discoveries and artefacts uncovered by the City of Londonderry Sub Aqua Club in 1971.

Tourism NI has supported the development of a bespoke sea-tour, Giant Shipwrecks of the North Coast, operated by Aquaholics which covers a number of wreck sites around the North Coast and Rathlin Island. This tour specifically covers the story of the Spanish Armada and visits the Girona wreck location.

Tourism NI has provided videography and photography assets for this experience to allow for the marketing and promotion of the offer. Tourism NI has also provided training and mentoring to the operator and market and quality testing of the experience as part of the Embrace a Giant Spirit experience brand journey. Aquaholics also received £42 920 from the Experience Development Programme 2020/21 for investment into diving equipment.

Furthermore, Tourism NI are supporting Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council as part of their £72m Growth Deal. One of the key tourism projects being considered is Dunluce Castle and an opportunity exists to feature stories and information relating to Girona and the Spanish Armada, however this project is still at a very early conceptual stage.